SINN Féin’ Martin McGuinness has said the Irish government must represent the best interests of all Irish citizens on the island in today’s Brexit negotiations.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has invited politicians from the North to the meeting with in Dublin later today to discuss the implications of Brexit for the island.
Representatives from business and farming organisations, as well as civic society, will also attend the talks.
However, neither the DUP nor the Ulster Unionist Party will be at the conference.
The All Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit is taking place at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham.
Mr Kenny says he wants to hear from those affected by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union and to map out the challenges posed and their potential impact on different parts of society.
Although unionist parties will not be present, Alliance leader Naomi Long and party colleague Stephen Farry will be there.
DUP leader Arlene Foster has dismissed the gathering as a grand-standing exercise for what she calls “remoaners”, but said real business could be done at the North South Ministerial Council meeting later this month.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the forum was “hugely important as it represents an opportunity to have an island-wide discussion on the impact of the recent EU referendum”.
The Foyle MLA added: “This is not just an issue for the north; it will impact on the entire island and it is vital we deal with it on that basis.
“The Irish government will have a central role in the upcoming Brexit negotiations when article 50 is triggered.
“The British Tory party can’t be trusted to act in the best interests of the people of Ireland.
“It is crucial that the Irish government represents the national interests of all Irish citizens, of the economies north and south, and safeguards the advances of the Good Friday and other Agreements.”
